Fabio Capello played a key role in David Beckham's return to the big-time by brokering his initial discussions with AC Milan.

Less than 18 months after Capello's strained Real Madrid relationship with Beckham saw the former England skipper turn his back on European football to join Los Angeles Galaxy, it emerged the England boss played a major part in his loan move to the San Siro.

Beckham will join up with the Italian giants in late December, officially starting on January 1, during the MLS close season and will be available for Serie A and UEFA Cup action.

He will return to LA for the start of their season in February.

The midfielder had opportunities to train with Arsenal over the winter - as he did last season - and made contact with Manchester United - but knew he would not be considered for England's February friendly with Spain if he was not playing serious football.

The chance to play alongside Brazilians Kaka and Ronaldinho, And riy Shevchenko, Clarence Seedorf, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini and Andrea Pirlo was one Beckham could not turn down, giving him the chance to prove he is not yesterday's man.

"Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way but Beckham is something different and intriguing. Beckham wants to train and play with Milan and we want him.

"It's not just a shop window deal, it's a great deal. He will be available for Carlo Ancelotti for Serie A and the UEFA Cup.

"Football today is not just about tactics and technical abilities. It's about full stadiums and sponsors. No-one can beat the 65,000 fans we had on Sunday.

"The stadiums will only fill up with superstars like Beckham, who has asked Milan for hospitality, not another club.

With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team."

Galaxy, whose owners AEG have yet to give their full approval to the deal, expect the player back long before the European season ends, but it is a stunning development in Beckham's career at the age of 33.

It signals the former Manchester United man's desperation to play a role for England all the way up to the 2010 World Cup as he closes in on goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton's international record of 120 caps.